The Great Wave

The book explores the cultural exchange between the United States and Japan during the Gilded Age, highlighting the U.S.'s search for philosophical grounding in Japan's traditional culture as it underwent rapid modernization. Over twenty-five years, Japan transformed from a feudal society into a global power, influencing American perspectives. This period of intense interaction fostered notable figures and mutual fascination, as both nations navigated their identities amidst significant historical changes.